10/20/2026
It is with great sadness we share Debra Romans founder and wife of Bennie Romans has passed away peacefully surrounded by love. We are forever grateful for her commitment to our company and for her and Ben starting such and amazing company that has been passed down now twice. Missing you always♡ I love you grandma!
Debra Ann Romans, 73, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on October 13, 2026.
Debbie was born on June 30, 1953, in Independence, Missouri, to Donna (Cox) and Earl Hurshman. She spent most of her youth in Blue Springs, Missouri, sharing many cherished moments with her grandparents, Ellen "Boppy" and Harold, whom she absolutely adored.
Throughout her life, Debbie worked primarily as a bookkeeper for various companies, most notably Wolferman’s Bakery of Sara Lee, Richardson Printing, and Benco. Her proudest professional achievement was partnering with her husband, Ben, to help establish Cornerstone Home Improvement—a family legacy that is now proudly owned and operated by the third generation of their family.
Debbie was the true connective tissue of her family, always ensuring that everyone around her felt included, valued, and deeply loved. Guided by an open heart, she never hesitated to welcome family into her home whenever a need arose. She was a classy lady who took great pride in keeping an orderly and beautiful home, yet she deeply appreciated life's simplest pleasures. Some of her fondest memories included hosting friends and family, playing Yahtzee with her sister-in-law, Sylvie, entertaining during the holidays, line-dancing, listening to country music, watching Frasier, and traveling.
A devoted wife, friend, and mother to her daughter and stepdaughters, Debbie had a profound love for all of God’s creatures. She was always happiest when surrounded by her grandchildren, her many beloved dogs over the years, and her horses. Her sweet, gentle soul remained vibrant and clear through her very last days.
Debbie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 40 years, Ben; her parents; her grandparents; her grandson, Shawn Kleoppel; and her brother, Tim.
She is survived by her daughter, Shawna Kleoppel (Billy Bob) of Muskogee, Oklahoma; three stepdaughters, all of Independence, Missouri: Beckie Lucas (Dave), Brenda Walters (Doug), and Bevin Johnston-Romans (John); her brothers: Danny, Michael, Martin, Matthew, and Mark Hurshman, and Randy Mort; 11 grandchildren: Brooke, Tyler, Josiah, Zachary, Noah, Hannah, Meshelle, Brittany, Megan, Cody, and Remilia; 18 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Service Information:
• Visitation: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Royer Funeral Home (101 SE 15th Street, Oak Grove, MO).
• Celebration of Life Service: 3:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Royer Funeral Home.
• Burial: Sni Mills Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Submitted by The Family
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441
